Journalist

Park Hee-won
  • Prosecutors Add Charges in Gangbuk Motel Serial Killing Case, Citing More Victims
    Prosecutors Add Charges in Gangbuk Motel Serial Killing Case, Citing More Victims Prosecutors have filed additional charges against Kim So-young, 20, the suspect in the so-called Gangbuk motel serial killings, after confirming signs of more alleged attacks. Authorities said similar drugging cases involving other men were uncovered beyond the incidents already indicted. According to Yonhap News Agency on the 30th, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors Office’s Criminal Division 2, led by Chief Prosecutor Kim Ga-ram, additionally indicted Kim on charges of aggravated injury and violating the Narcotics Control Act. Kim was previously arrested and indicted on March 10 on allegations that from mid-December last year through February this year she gave drug-laced drinks to three men in their 20s, killing two and leaving one unconscious. During the investigation, police said they found indications that Kim used the same method — offering a “drugged drink” — to injure three other men. The additional cases were sent to prosecutors on March 19, and prosecutors decided to bring the new indictment after further investigation. At the first trial on April 9 before the Seoul Northern District Court’s Criminal Division 14, presided over by Judge Oh Byeong-hee, Kim’s side said, “She admits giving the victims drinks, but denies the charges of aggravated injury and murder.” The defense argued the purpose was to make the victims fall asleep, not to kill them. The court said intent must be judged from the circumstances and demanded a detailed explanation of how Kim met the victims and how the alleged crimes unfolded. The court also told prosecutors to prove, based on the charges for each victim, how intent to kill was formed. The hearing ended in about 10 minutes after confirming both sides’ basic positions. Kim appeared in a green detention uniform and a white mask and said she did not want a jury trial. The gallery filled before proceedings began, and some bereaved family members strongly objected, calling for the maximum sentence. The next hearing is scheduled for May 7 at 3:30 p.m. 2026-04-30 16:48:18
  • Bloomberg Hosts ‘Invest in Asia’ Forum in Seoul, Spotlighting China’s Financial Markets
    Bloomberg Hosts ‘Invest in Asia’ Forum in Seoul, Spotlighting China’s Financial Markets 블룸버그는 서울에서 중국 금융시장과 아시아 투자 전략을 주제로 한 포럼을 열고 글로벌 자본과의 연결 확대를 모색했다. 블룸버그는 최근 서울에서 ‘인베스트 인 아시아: 중국을 조명하다(Invest in Asia: China Spotlight)’ 포럼을 개최했다고 밝혔다. 행사에는 한중 양국 정부 관계자와 금융시장 전문가들이 참석해 중국 금융시장 개방 흐름과 투자 기회, 양국 간 금융 협력 가능성 등을 논의했다. 이번 포럼에는 다이빙 주한 중국대사가 기조연설자로 나섰으며, 한국은행, 중국외환거래센터, 채권통 등 주요 기관과 자산운용사, 증권사 관계자들이 참석했다. 다이빙 대사는 연설에서 중국이 기술 혁신을 바탕으로 고품질 성장 전략을 추진하고 있으며 금융시장 개방을 계속 확대하고 있다고 말했다. 그는 외국인 투자자 접근성을 높이기 위한 제도 개선과 함께, 한국을 포함한 글로벌 투자자들에게 더 안정적이고 투명한 투자 환경을 제공하겠다는 방침을 강조했다. 중국은 최근 수년간 외국인 투자 규제를 단계적으로 완화해 왔다. 채권시장에서는 ‘채권통(Bond Connect)’과 ‘중국은행간채권시장(CIBM) 직접투자’ 제도를 통해 해외 투자자 참여가 확대됐고, 주식시장에서는 ‘후강퉁·선강퉁’ 제도로 교차 거래가 가능해졌다. 이에 따라 글로벌 자산운용사들의 위안화 자산 편입 비중도 점진적으로 늘고 있다. 왕다하이 블룸버그 대중화권 총괄은 글로벌 시장 변동성이 커지는 가운데 중국 시장의 분산투자 대상지로서 중요성이 높아지고 있다고 진단했다. 그는 블룸버그가 금융 데이터와 지수 서비스를 통해 글로벌 투자자의 중국 시장 접근성을 높이는 역할을 지속해 왔다고 말했다. 세션에서는 한국은행 외자운용원의 김영욱 팀장이 위안화 채권 투자 경험을 공유했다. 한국은행은 외환보유액 운용 과정에서 일부를 위안화 자산에 투자하고 있으며, 이는 외환 포트폴리오 다변화 전략의 일환으로 평가된다고 블룸버그는 전했다. 이어 국태해통증권 관계자는 중국 금융시장의 구조 변화와 정책 방향을 설명했다. 패널 토론에는 중국공상은행, 중국은행(홍콩), KB자산운용, NH투자증권, 한화자산운용 등 주요 기관 전문가들이 참여해 해외 투자자의 중국 채권·주식·외환시장 참여 확대 현황과 멀티에셋 투자 전략을 논의했다. 참석자들은 금리 변동성과 지정학적 리스크가 커지는 환경에서 국가별 자산 분산 전략의 중요성이 부각되고 있다고 봤다. 중국 시장은 세계 2위 규모의 경제와 방대한 채권시장을 기반으로 관심이 이어지고 있으며, 일부 글로벌 지수에 중국 채권이 편입되면서 기관 자금 유입도 지속되고 있다고 블룸버그는 전했다. 참석자들은 중국이 금융시장 개방 정책을 이어갈 경우 글로벌 투자 포트폴리오에서 중국 자산의 전략적 비중이 커질 가능성이 크다는 데 의견을 같이했다. 다만 시장 변동성과 정책 리스크를 고려한 장기적 접근이 필요하다는 점도 함께 언급됐다. 블룸버그의 ‘인베스트 인 아시아’ 포럼은 아시아·태평양 시장 투자 정보를 공유하고 글로벌 투자자와 현지 시장을 연결하는 행사로, 주요 금융 허브 도시를 순회하며 열리고 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 11:51:58
  • Youth Foundation Expands Finance Job Mentoring With Working Professionals
    Youth Foundation Expands Finance Job Mentoring With Working Professionals The Youth Foundation said it is strengthening job support for young people seeking work in finance by running a mentoring program focused on specific roles. The foundation said it held its “Youth Working-Professional Job Mentoring” sessions on April 14 and 15 and again on April 23 via the Zoom video platform. Assistant manager- and manager-level finance employees served as mentors, offering guidance on job preparation, understanding day-to-day work and even consultations related to changing jobs. The April program, themed on the financial industry, was divided by role, including information and communications technology, universal banker and investment banking tracks. About 100 young people took part. Sessions covered job overviews, hiring preparation strategies, workplace case studies and how to respond to job changes tied to the shift to artificial intelligence. Counseling was tailored using questions submitted in advance. Working professionals from KB Kookmin Bank participated as a talent donation, the foundation said. With digital transformation and the expansion of non-face-to-face services, demand is rising for workers with ICT skills and data analysis capabilities, increasing the need for practical, workplace-based advice. Participants said they valued hearing concrete accounts of mentors’ work experience, industry trends and how tasks flow by role. As finance hiring places greater weight on role-specific expertise, access to information through networks of working professionals is increasingly important in job preparation. Over the past two years, the foundation said it has run the mentoring program 32 times, with about 600 participants. A post-program survey showed an average satisfaction score of 4.68 out of 5. Starting this year, the foundation expanded operations by shifting from every other month to a regular monthly schedule and extending each session from two hours to three. It also plans to add in-person mentoring alongside online sessions to broaden access. An in-person mentoring program focused on culture and the arts is scheduled for next month, the foundation said, citing growing demand for new roles across planning, production and distribution as the culture and content industry shifts toward platform-centered structures. Chairman Oh Chang-seok said sharing working professionals’ experiences provides practical help as young people explore careers and prepare for jobs. “We will continue to expand job training and mentoring opportunities based on public-private cooperation,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 11:48:20
  • The Moon Entertainment to Run ‘The Magnificent Hermitage’ Digital Exhibit in Seoul
    The Moon Entertainment to Run ‘The Magnificent Hermitage’ Digital Exhibit in Seoul A special exhibition digitally recreating works from the Hermitage Museum, widely regarded as one of the world’s three leading art museums, will be held at Seoul’s Culture Depot Park in Mapo-gu. The Moon Entertainment said it will run “The Magnificent Hermitage” from April 30 to July 30 in the T4·T5 spaces at Culture Depot Park. The venue is a former oil storage facility from the 1970s that has been repurposed into a cultural site now used for exhibitions and performances. The exhibition reworks key parts of the Hermitage collection into digital content. The museum holds more than 3 million items and is often ranked among the world’s largest, alongside the Louvre and the British Museum. An official digital exhibition by the institution is rare in South Korea, the company said. Organizers said the show is designed as immersive content combining large-scale media art with interactive technology, using high-resolution scans and realistic video to broaden the viewing experience amid a global push by museums to expand digital exhibitions. The exhibition is divided into four sections. “The Winter Palace Awakens in Light” recreates the Hermitage’s iconic Winter Palace through a media facade. “Walking Through the Palace” digitally renders interior spaces to simulate a visitor route. “Official Digital Masterpieces” presents content based on ultra-precise scans using aerospace technology to capture texture and brushwork. The final section is an archive display covering materials related to the Hermitage and its Vladivostok branch. Works featured include pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. Organizers said visitors can see major masterpieces in one place without transporting the originals. The Moon Entertainment also said Hermitage Museum Director Mikhail Piotrovsky is expected to visit South Korea, and that academic exchanges and cultural cooperation could be discussed. Early-bird tickets will be sold through April 28 with a 40% discount for all ages. The early-bird tickets can be used through May 31.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 11:15:57
  • Oticon Unveils 2026 Government-Subsidy Hearing Aid Lineup With More Options
    Oticon Unveils 2026 Government-Subsidy Hearing Aid Lineup With More Options Denmark-based hearing solutions company Oticon has unveiled a lineup of hearing aids designed to meet South Korea’s 2026 government subsidy standards. The lineup includes open-fit, in-the-ear and behind-the-ear styles and expands the range of rechargeable models, the company said, giving users more choices. South Korea’s hearing aid support program provides a set subsidy to people registered with hearing disabilities, reflecting both price and performance standards. Industry officials view the program as a key factor in improving access, as the number of people with hearing loss continues to rise amid rapid population aging. Oticon said the lineup is built around its premium B500 model and includes the E, F and PG series. The products are segmented so users can choose based on the degree of hearing loss and daily listening environments. The B500 combines real-time motion sensors with artificial intelligence-based sound processing, Oticon said. The system analyzes a user’s movement and surrounding sound conditions to emphasize speech while reducing noise as needed. The company said the market is shifting from simple amplification to environment-aware sound processing. The B500 also supports Bluetooth LE Audio to improve connection stability with smartphones and TVs, and it includes Auracast for audio sharing in multi-device settings. Its rechargeable design is intended to reduce the burden of battery replacement. The E series focuses on noise control for everyday settings, including places such as cafes and streets. The F series emphasizes core functions to lower costs, targeting first-time users and demand for entry-level models. For users with severe and profound hearing loss, the PG series is a high-power line designed for stronger output and durability, Oticon said. The lineup also includes recommended models for infants and children, reflecting hearing development during growth. The company noted that personalized fitting and after-sales care are also critical in the hearing aid market, because hearing tests, adjustments and environment-based settings can determine real-world satisfaction. Demant Group, which operates Oticon, said it has more than 100 years of research in hearing technology and continues to do business globally. In South Korea, its subsidiary Demant Korea handles product supply and services, and it has built a cooperation system with Diatec Korea in hearing diagnostic equipment. “Beyond simple feature comparisons, it is important to improve the listening experience people actually feel in daily life,” Demant Korea CEO Park Jin-gyun said. “We will support choices that fit users’ hearing conditions and living environments.” Industry officials expect hearing aid technology to advance around AI-based personalization and expanded wireless connectivity, with demand likely to keep rising as the older population grows.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 10:45:20
  • Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch to Hold Children’s Day ‘Sky Picnic’ on May 5
    Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch to Hold Children’s Day ‘Sky Picnic’ on May 5 Gangwon’s Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch, located on the high plateau around Daegwallyeong, will run hands-on programs for families to mark Children’s Day. The ranch said it will hold its “Children’s Day Sky Picnic” on May 5. The event period runs from May 1 to May 10, and children 12 and under will be admitted free during that time. Sky Ranch is a grassland ranch built at an elevation of about 1,000 meters or higher. It is known as a tourist ranch with relatively flexible visitor routes among ranches in the Daegwallyeong area. Its wide pastures and gently rolling hills have continued to draw families looking for outdoor activities. On the day of the event, the ranch will offer children’s programs, including free face painting on site and a ranchwide treasure hunt. An accompanying social media event will also be held to encourage visitor participation. Regular attractions will continue as well. A tractor-pulled wagon ride to the top of the ranch will be offered as a paid on-site program, and visitors can feed sheep in an indoor area. The ranch cafe will sell light snacks, including ice cream made with dairy products. The Daegwallyeong area typically has lower temperatures than cities at the same time of year and is known for strong winds, and the ranch is advising visitors to dress warmly even in spring. “We prepared these programs to provide an environment where children can run and play in nature,” the ranch said, adding that it plans to operate the event so families can enjoy both rest and activities. Detailed schedules and visitor information are available on the ranch’s official website and social media channels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 10:15:48
  • LG Best Shop Busan Yeonje store reopens after renovation with May promotions
    LG Best Shop Busan Yeonje store reopens after renovation with May promotions LG Electronics’ offline retail chain, Best Shop, said its Busan Yeonje store will begin a grand reopening event starting on the 24th after completing renovations. The company said the campaign is designed to improve the in-store environment and target demand tied to May’s Family Month. The promotion will run in three phases: a pre-reservation period from the 24th through the 30th; the main event from May 1 to 17; and an encore period from May 18 to 31 with additional benefits. Store officials said the monthlong structure is intended to spread out customer visits and broaden purchase options. The renovation focused on strengthening hands-on, experience-based displays, the store said. The home-appliance retail sector has been moving beyond simple sales floors toward more interactive shopping, and premium appliances are widely seen as more likely to be purchased after in-person demonstrations. During the event, the store will offer tailored benefits aimed at wedding, moving and new-home customers. It said support will be available for wedding and move-in package purchases, and multi-item buyers can receive benefits worth up to 6.5 million won. Gifts by purchase amount and benefits tied to appliance subscription services are also included. Subscription services, which reduce upfront costs and include maintenance over a set period, have been gaining demand, the article said. Industry observers say subscription-style consumption is spreading, particularly for higher-priced appliances, reshaping buying patterns. The store will also run Family Month promotions reflecting demand for gifts for parents and family purchases, with benefits centered on essential appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, it said. More broadly, South Korea’s appliance retail market is strengthening omnichannel strategies that combine online and offline shopping. As consumers increasingly research products online and then visit stores to try them before buying, manufacturer-run outlets are expanding in-store experience and consultation functions. “Through the renovation, we focused on improving the shopping environment and providing practical benefits tailored to Family Month demand,” the store said. Details are available by contacting the store.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 09:03:20
  • Yakitori Tanju Expands Jazz Yakitori Izakaya Concept With Standardized Franchise System
    Yakitori Tanju Expands Jazz Yakitori Izakaya Concept With Standardized Franchise System Assist Kitchen, which operates the live-jazz yakitori izakaya brand Yakitori Tanju, said it has overhauled its franchise framework and is moving to expand its store network. The company aims to scale a hybrid model that combines dining and performance content by building a standardized operating system. Yakitori Tanju centers on charcoal-grilled chicken skewers, paired with alcoholic drinks and live jazz performances. The brand positions its venues as places where customers stay longer, rather than quick meal-only restaurants, aligning with growing demand for “experience-based” dining that blends food and cultural content. Assist Kitchen, a franchise company that develops and operates restaurant brands, said it has built its own supply and operating infrastructure for expansion. Headquarters produces key ingredients in-house through a sauce plant and a HACCP-certified meat-processing facility, then supplies the same items to all stores. HACCP certification indicates hygiene controls meet standards across the full process from raw materials to manufacturing and distribution. The company applies a cold-chain system to transport and store ingredients at low temperatures, aiming to maintain freshness, stabilize delivery schedules and reduce differences in ingredient management by location. The centralized supply structure is also expected to ease franchisees’ burden of managing raw materials and reduce cost volatility. In the restaurant franchise industry, centralized supply systems and standardized logistics are widely seen as key to brand expansion, with analysts noting they can minimize quality variation and simplify cooking processes, reducing the operational burden for new owners. “Yakitori Tanju is a hybrid dining model that combines food, music and space,” an Assist Kitchen official said. “Based on our production infrastructure and logistics system, we are building an environment where franchisees can focus on service operations.” The company said it plans to keep improving its logistics network and manuals to support franchise growth, while also strengthening store operating standards and service-quality controls to maintain the brand’s identity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-24 09:03:00
  • Yuripibu Revamps Bifida Deep Cleansing Oil, Targets Family Month Gift Demand
    Yuripibu Revamps Bifida Deep Cleansing Oil, Targets Family Month Gift Demand Yuripibu, a skincare brand, has released a revamped version of its “Bifida Deep Cleansing Oil,” saying it strengthened the product’s ability to support skin condition after cleansing as well as remove impurities. Cleansing oils are widely used as a first-step wash to dissolve makeup and sebum, but they have often been treated as separate from moisturizing or barrier care. Yuripibu said it updated the formula to focus on protecting and hydrating skin during cleansing. The renewed product applies fermentation-derived ingredients, including bifida ferment lysate. The ingredient is widely used in cosmetics and is known for helping with skin hydration and maintaining the skin barrier. The formula also blends lactococcus ferment and lactobacillus ferment filtrate. Fermented ingredients are used in the cosmetics industry as materials that can help retain moisture while reducing irritation. The product also contains plant-based oils. Ingredients such as soybean oil, rosehip oil, macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil and squalane are commonly used in cleansing oils to help soften and moisturize skin. Oil-based formulas are often used for first-step cleansing because they effectively dissolve oil-soluble residue and makeup. Yuripibu said it improved emulsification speed — the process in which cleansing oil meets water and turns milky to rinse away residue. Faster emulsification can shorten cleansing time and reduce friction on the skin. The company said it adjusted the feel of the product after feedback that the previous version could leave a lingering residue. The scent and texture were also changed. The company applied a yuzu fragrance and an essence-type texture to enhance the sensory experience during washing, reflecting a broader market trend that emphasizes user experience as well as function. Within the lineup, the brand maintained functional distinctions. While “Grante Daily Cleansing Oil” focuses on sebum care and a lighter feel, the Bifida Deep Cleansing Oil emphasizes makeup removal and hydration. In general, consumers with dry skin tend to prefer moisture-focused products, while those with oily or combination skin often favor lighter textures. Industry observers have long stressed the need to minimize irritation during cleansing. Excessive cleansing can damage the skin barrier, making the balance between cleansing power and hydration a key competitive factor. As a result, companies have continued developing cleansing products that combine fermented ingredients and plant-based oils. Yuripibu said it will run a “Family Month” promotion on Naver Smart Store from April 30 to May 11, offering set packages that include its cleansing oil products.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 16:00:18
  • Hang Ten, Hang Ten Teens Launch ‘Hang Ten Cool Day’ Summer Sale With Expanded Online, In-Store Deals
    Hang Ten, Hang Ten Teens Launch ‘Hang Ten Cool Day’ Summer Sale With Expanded Online, In-Store Deals Branded Lifestyle Korea, which operates the casual brands Hang Ten and Hang Ten Teens, is running its first-half seasonal promotion, “Hang Ten Cool Day.” The promotion begins online on April 23, with offline stores rolling it out sequentially starting April 24. It is designed as an integrated campaign spanning both online and in-store channels. A summer-focused discount applies to all items, offering a 1+1 deal equivalent to 50% off. Product assortments and how the promotion is run may vary by channel. The fashion industry has been expanding large seasonal-transition sales and strategies that link online and offline purchasing. Ahead of summer, demand has been rising for basics such as T-shirts and shorts. Hang Ten, a casual brand rooted in surf culture, emphasizes comfort and practicality and is purchased by a wide range of age groups. For this event, it strengthened its short-sleeve T-shirt lineup, including styles with shirring details and graphic-focused designs. Layered-style short-sleeve T-shirts, which can be used across a range of outfits, have also seen steady demand on fashion platforms, the company said. Hang Ten Teens is built around products aimed primarily at teenagers. It is highlighting warm-weather items intended for everyday wear, including Bermuda denim pants and seersucker shirts. Additional benefits are offered for online shoppers, including coupon packs for members, extra discounts on select items, and a fixed-amount discount coupon for first-time buyers. The company is also running an event that provides a mobile gift certificate to customers who write a review after purchase. The brand said it assembled the promotion around basic items frequently worn in summer. Details are available on the official online mall and at stores nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 14:58:19